Mushrooms for Dyes, Paper, Pigments & Myco-Stix

This year we're exploring the Fungi kingdom, and learning about mushrooms in the garden, great outdoors, kitchen, and dye pot. Our next book is Mushrooms for Dyes, Paper, Pigments & Myco-Stix™, written by Miriam C. Rice (1918-2010) and illustrated by Dorothy M. Beebee. This book was published by Mushrooms for Color Press, Forestville, CA (2007). The book is the culmination of their research and experimentation over the decades—information has been updated, streamlined, and consolidated. They have added new sections that describe how to make paper with mushrooms, and how to extract pigment from mushrooms. They also made a valiant effort to update the mushroom binomial names (species and family), which changes often to keep pace with research and new discoveries.

In the preface, Rice acknowledges all the individuals and groups who have contributed to the work over the years. The body of the book is divided into five major sections. "Part 1: About Mushrooms", provides a brief history and basic information about mushrooms and mushroom dyeing. An introduction describes the main mushroom groups, and illustrations show mushroom parts. In "Part II: Dyes", color photos identify the main dye mushrooms, organized by the color they produce (yellow, orange, red, blue, brown, and so forth). The sections about dyes and mordants, working with protein fiber, the dye process, and the chemistry of mushroom dyes provide succinct basic information for the dyer.

In "Part III: Paper", Rice adds new information about making paper with mushrooms, especially from woody polypores. The section identifies good mushrooms for papermaking, provides procedures for making paper, and includes photos of hand crafted paper objects. In "Part IV, Pigments & Myco-Stix", Rice describes how to extract pigments from mushrooms and reports on her experiments to make crayons (Myco-Stix) and paints with the pigment. The section provides examples of drawings and paintings made with the pigment. In "Part V: The Future", Rice casts vision for a future where mushrooms are cultivated for dyeing and pigments, replacing toxic products and processes that are destructive to our planet. The backmatter includes photo credits, a comprehensive bibliography, and an index.

This is a wonderful update to Mushrooms for Color, incorporating decades of experience and research, and distilling it to what works. I especially appreciated the updated and simplified section, "The Chemistry of Mushroom Dyes", by Dr. Eric Sundstrom, PhD. I don't have a strong chemistry background, but the description about why mushroom dyes react better with protein-based fabric than cellulose made sense. I was also inspired by the new section on papermaking. Long ago, before we moved to the San Francisco Bay Area, I experimented with papermaking using recycled paper and fibers from palm fronds and other plants. Life got busy so I put it aside, but I've always wanted to get back to it. Rice has inspired me to dust off the beautiful wooden deckles that my Dad made for me, and resume my papermaking experiments. Perhaps in 2027!

Dye Project: Multiple Lichens (Heat Extraction)

For this project, I'm dyeing with an unknown mix of multiple lichens that I harvested on our property in 2020 and kept in the freezer. Lichens are a composite of algae or cyanobacteria living among fungi species (with yeast being a possible third partner). They live together in a mutualistic relationship. Lichens can produce brilliant dyes in many shades, depending on the fiber or fabric and the dye method used. Dye methods include fermenting in ammonia, boiling in water, and photo-oxidizing. 

Lichen mixture from our property

Since the type or mix of lichens is unknown, I'm not sure what color to expect, if any. However, looking back at my research notes at the time, possible lichen types may include:

• Common greenshield lichen (Flavoparmelia caperata) - produces earthy tones ranging from lemon yellow, gold, and butterscotch to warm orange-brown, tan, and dark brown using the boiling method.

• Oakmoss lichen (Evernia prunastri) - produces yellow, tan, or bronze using the boiling method. 

The lichen may produce a nice earthy brown color, or may not produce any color at all. But, it will free up some freezer space!

Lichen is a composite organism of fungi and algae

Key Supplies

I'm using my usual dye equipment, including a convection burner, a non-reactive stainless steel dye pot, candy thermometer, strainer, cheese cloth, various plastic pails and containers for soaking and rinsing, a digital kitchen scale, stir stick, a mild pH-neutral soap (such as Synthropol or Professional Textile Detergent), rubber gloves, and a face mask. Additional supplies and equipment:

• Lichen: I collected the lichen from all over our yard about six and a half years ago and froze it. At the time we had many types of lichen in our landscape, so the collection is a hodge-podge.

• pH test strips: to test how acidic or alkaline the dye bath is.

• Fabric: 100% protein fibers like wool or silk (as with dyeing with mushrooms, protein fibers respond better than cellulose). I'm using a silk scarf and a silk/wool blend scarf from Dharma Trading, both of which have been scoured and mordanted with alum. For details, see Dye Project: Preparing Protein Fabric (Scour &  Mordant). Note that you do not need to mordant fabric or fiber when dyeing with lichen, since lichens produce light and colorfast dyes. 

• The silk scarf weighs 1 ounce or 28 grams.

• The silk/wool blend scarf weighs .7 ounces or 20 grams.

• pH Modifiers: Use modifiers to make the dye bath more acidic or alkaline, and change the color outcome. I plan to add some white vinegar as a modifier for this project (in addition to the alum pre-mordant the scarves received). 

Collecting the Lichen

Lichen is very slow-growing, so collect it responsibly. It is typically considered ethical to gather lichen that has been dislodged from its habitat, unless other restrictions apply. Only collect lichen that has fallen naturally from trees or rocks to protect the ecosystem, and only collect what you need.

A collection of lichen from our yard, gathered in 2020

Dyeing the Fabric

 Dyeing fabric with lichen is very similar to dyeing with plants or mushrooms. Bring the dye bath to a simmer, pre-soak the silk or wool fabric or fiber in warm water, add the fabric to the dye pot, and simmer. As with mushrooms, one caveat when working with protein fiber is to make sure the temperature difference is very similar when going from one pot to another.

As with mushrooms, delayed rinsing improves color and light fastness. Casselman recommends that with lichen-dyed fibers, it is essential to cool the yarn before rinsing. Lichen-dyed fibers are more color and light fast if they are not rinsed for at least 24 hours; this stabilizes the dye and prevents after-dye runoff. She describes her technique for delaying rinsing in Lichen Dyes: The New Source Book (see "Dye Bath", page 27):

... first leave the fiber in the ammonia or boiled water dye bath to cool for 24 hours. Then, remove the fiber, place it in a colander over a pail and leave it another 24 hours. (What you collect can be reused.) After two days, rinse the fiber (which may be completely dry) in cold water. Even with dark colors, there will be very little dye run off, and your reward is improved fastness.

To prepare the dye bath, rinse the lichen to clean it and place it in a clean non-reactive pot. Cover the lichen with water and soak it overnight (24-36 hours). After 24 hours, I tested the lichen water and the pH registered 5 (moderately acid).

Cover the lichen with water and soak overnight

Add a splash of vinegar to the lichen and water in the non-reactive pot. I decided to add 1/4 cup of vinegar after watching the Wolf lichen video posted by Myra Made Color. In the video, Dorothy Beebee made the comment that when the dye bath registers pH 4, the acid releases pigment. I'm not sure if this is a universal principal or just true for Wolf lichen, but it seemed to be the case with the lichen fermentation project (see Dye Project: Lace Lichen (Fermentation). After adding the vinegar, I tested the lichen water and the pH registered between 3 and 4 (moderately acid).

Bring the temperature of the dye bath to 150 to 180 °F. This typically takes about 30-60 minutes. I followed Casselman's recommendation to bring the temperature to a maximum of 180 °F (82 °C), and maintain the temperature for 10 minutes. Then, reduce the temperature to 160 °F (70 °C) and continue to heat gently for one hour, without boiling. While the dye bath is coming to temperature, pre-soak your wool or silk in warm water. This improves how the fabric takes up the dye.

Pre-soak the fabric in warm water

Add the fabric to the simmering dye pot and stir to distribute evenly. I decided not to strain out the lichen for this project. Casselman describes cooking the fabric right in with the lichen for more color, as does Dorothy Beebee, so I'm  going to give that a try. Add more water to cover the fabric if necessary. This will not dilute the dye; it just ensures better distribution of the dye to the fabric. Let simmer for about an hour, keeping the temperature between 150 to 180 °F. I tried to keep it at 160 degrees °F.

The lichen has dropped to the bottom of the pot leaving an interesting shade of brown dye

Scarves simmering in the dye pot

Remove the dye pot from the heat, and use the delayed rinsing technique recommended by Casselman in Lichen Dyes: The New Source Book. Leave the fiber in the dye bath to cool for 24 hours. Then, remove the fiber, place it in a colander over a pail and leave it another 24 hours. Any dye you collect can be reused.

Letting the dye set (heat extracted lichen dye bath)

After two days, rinse the fiber (which may be completely dry) in cold water. I ran the fabric through the washing machine to rinse, using cold water and no detergent. Note that the many bits of lichen washed away nicely. Hang to dry.

Two weeks later, wash with a mild pH-neutral soap, such as Synthropol or Professional Textile Detergent, to wash out any unbound dye. Air dry out of direct sunlight. The resulting color is a lovely honey gold.

The Results

The final result of dyeing with our unknown lichen was a lovely honey gold (or butterscotch). The color appears darker when the fabric is wet, but is still pleasing as the silk and silk/wool blend fabric dries.

Left: unknown lichen mix (heat extract, acidic dye bath, silk/wool blend)
Right: unknown lichen mix (heat extract, acidic dye bath, silk)

Even though the dye liquor looks a bit like dirty dish water, I decided to store the unused dye for a future dye project. I filtered out the lichen pieces and discarded them, and labeled the jars for future use.

Filter out the lichen pieces from the dye liquor

Store the dye liquor for future projects

Learn More

• Byrd, Margaret. "How to Make Natural Dyes with Lichen". Color Quest, December 9, 2022. Good overview, which includes information about the fermentation and boiling water methods, as well as a photo-oxidized method (ammonia bath, color emerges when fiber is removed from the bath). https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VaYI7U7ZHEU

• Casselman, Karen Diadick. Lichen Dyes: The New Source Book (Dover Publications, 2001). Second edition of the original, published by Studio Vista Publications, 1996. This slim book is packed with information (see Lichen Dyes: The New Source Book).

• "How to Make a Natural Dye Using Lichens". Myra Made Color (June 4, 2022). Myra uses Wolf lichen (Letharia vulpina) to dye 100% wool, no mordant, using the water boil dye process. BeeBee made an interesting comment that when the dye bath registers pH 4, the acid releases pigment. I'm not sure if this is a universal principal or just true for Wolf lichen, but worth exploring. https://youtu.be/RUUeAX4D1uE

• McDonnel, Zoe. "Introduction to Dyeing with Lichens", Wildcraft Dyeing (June 28, 2021). Lichens and what you need to know to get started on natural dyeing with lichens. McDonnel discusses the two types of dyeing (boiled water method and ammonia/fermentation method). https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B8KfXIIUB_M

Field Notes for September 2026

Welcome back to Field Notes!

September 1, 2026

OTHG Hike to Brickyard Cove. Mari, Gaymond and I kicked off September with a hike at the McLaughlin Eastshore State Park, which is operated by the East Bay Regional Park District. According to signage, the Park was created "from a patchwork of landfills and abused salt marshes" and is now a place that "nurtures native plants, wildlife, and the spirit of all who visit here".  We met up with the Over-the-Hills Gang at Brickyard Cove near Berkeley, California for the hike, led by Anthony Fisher. 

Brickyard Cove staging area

Berkeley Meadow Habitat Restoration

We walked through the Berkeley Meadow Habitat Restoration area. It is fenced on both sides for protection. From what we could see, the areas is rebounding really well. Land as well as people need restorative break!

View across the San Pablo Bay

View of San Pablo Bay with Mount Tam in the distance (photo by Mari)

Cookie break at the half-way point

Past the restoration area, we followed the shoreline and enjoyed the views of the bay. We had our usual cookie break at the half-way point (ginger cookies and several kinds of Girl Scout cookies). Gaymond, Mari and I finished up the hike at the nearby Thai Table in Berkeley over delicious food and great conversation. Check the website for information about upcoming hikes with this wonderful group.

Intrepid hikers at Brickyard Cove (photo by Gaymond)

Delicious Thai food to restore our strength

September 3, 2026

Fabulous Views from Brickyard Cove. I usually report on the flora and fauna that we see on our Over-the-Hills Gang hikes, but this time I want to call out all the great views we saw!

From this spot we could see the Port of Oakland as well as San Francisco across the Bay

 

From another place we could see the Marina Bay area where we hiked last time

From yet another location we could see Albany Hill and the USPS Distribution Center

September 6, 2026  🌞

Heat Wave! We are in the midst of a heat wave here in the Bay Area. I realize the temperature is nothing compared to other places in the country, but we're use to lovely, cool, marine temperatures most of the time. Our family has been living out on our covered patio, gathered around the patio table with the sun shades down. Ice cold watermelon and fruity popsicles help!

 

September 9, 2026 🧁

Happy Birthday to Bobo the Husky! Bobo turns six today, but had an appointment with the vet to update his vaccines. Bobo was a trooper and enjoyed the car ride, a walk around the block, hanging out in the air conditioned facility, and drinking lots of water. Don't worry, we plan to make him a hamburger "cake" for a real celebration later!

Thirsty Bobo makes himself at home

Later: Bobo's hamburger "cake" frosted with mashed sweet potato,
and decorated with milk bones and blueberries

September 12, 2026  🆒⛅ 

Back to Normal. Thankfully, we're back to our cooler weather here in the Bay Area. The temperature sometimes spikes at midday, but then cools off nicely in the late afternoon. This is our Mediterranean climate at work. We get our hot weather in September and October, while parts of the rest of the country are starting to cool off. I can feel fall around the edges though! 

September 16, 2026

OTHG Hike to Hayward Shoreline. Yesterday Mari and I joined the Over-the-Hills Gang hike to Hayward Shoreline Regional Park, led by Anthony Fisher. (Gaymond is on a bus tour of some of the favorite National Parks). The group met at the Grant Avenue entrance and parking lot, and headed north to join up with the San Francisco Bay Trail along the shoreline.

Heading north on the Bay Trail

Exploring along the trail

We hiked through the wetlands and along the shoreline, and enjoyed views of the bay. I'm slowly piecing together the patchwork of shoreline parks that we've been visiting, to gain a broader picture of the vast San Francisco Bay environment. Each park has its unique view, as well as shared views from a slightly different vantage point. We are so fortunate here in the bay area to have access to protected areas by the bay for wildlife and recreation.

Hiking through the wetlands

Cookie break at the half-way point

We had our usual cookie break at the half-way point (ginger and lemon cookies). Mari and I finished up the hike at the nearby Minami Sushi in San Leandro over delicious bento boxes and great conversation. Check the website for information about upcoming hikes with this wonderful group.

Intrepid hikers at Hayward Shoreline (photo by Mari)

September 19, 2026

Fauna and Whale Bones at Hayward Shoreline. We saw so many interesting things on our OTHG hike at Hayward Shoreline Regional Park. The wetlands area is a perfect place for bird watching, and we saw American coots, egrets, herons, seagulls, sandpipers, stilts, and hawks. Fall migration has started, so we'll see many more birds over the next several months. We also saw some California horn snails (Cerithidea californica) on the mudflats, and learned that local indigenous people would eat the snails as a quick snack, by breaking off the tip and sucking out the snail (Sushi style)!

Egret in the salt marsh

Shore birds feeding as the tide comes in

California horn snails on the mudflats

We also saw the skeletal remains of a whale. Several vertebrae and rib bones had washed up on the beach. A quick look online revealed that in May 2026 a 12 meter adult male gray whale had washed up on the San Leandro shoreline, just north of the Hayward Shoreline Regional Park near the Bay Trail. Hated to see that a whale had died, but it was so interesting to see its remains!

Remains of a gray whale

Bridge over the rising tide

September 22, 2026 🍂

Fall Equinox. Today is the first day of fall! Time to pull out a fall-themed puzzle and shift gears for the new season.

Time to shift to a few more inside hobbies!

September 26, 2026

Cooking with Mushrooms - Domestic Porcini Mushrooms. I purchased dried domestic porcini mushrooms from Far West Fungi on our summer outing to the Ferry Building (see Field Notes for August 2026, the August 11 entry). I rehydrated the mushrooms, and used them to make a savory puff pastry tart for lunch. Toppings included sautéed onions and porcini mushrooms, grated asiago cheese, thyme, and salt and pepper to taste (almost a "mushroom pizza")!

Dried porcini mushroom pieces

Rehydrated mushrooms

Porcini mushrooms (Boletus edulis) are also known as penny bun, cep, or king bolete. The species grows in deciduous and coniferous forests throughout Europe and North America. Far West Fungi air-dries a portion of its fresh organic and wild foraged mushrooms (from the Redwood forests of the Northern California coast), in their commercial kitchen.

Porcini mushroom tart

This was my first experience eating boletus mushrooms. They have a wonderful, rich woodsy flavor, which adds so much to the mushroom tart. The tart would also be good served as an hors d'oeuvre or appetizer for the upcoming holidays!

September 30, 2026 🌞🍂

Landscape Maintenance. End of summer cleanup, and kick off to fall. We're finally in our summer season here in the San Francisco Bay Area and we've had a series of heat spells. That typically means a high of low 80s during the day, but cooling off to low 50s at night. This is the time of year to monitor fire risk and fire activity. I continued to spend time cutting back shrubs, grasses, and dead wood, in response to the Fire Prevention inspection in July. I've also been monitoring plants for heat distress and providing extra water as needed.

✘ Weed the garden paths and beds (ongoing task). Remove the spent annuals and cut back dead foliage. Trim up iris, ivy, goldenrod, heucheras, Clarkia, California hedgenettle, maple, succulents and California buckwheat. Note: the ivy had a growth spurt, so cutting it back is keeping me busy!

✘ Sweep debris from surfaces throughout the yard (patios, steps, and walkways).

✘ Clean up leaves, berries, and drupes. Assess for potential dye sources. Sweep up any fallen oak leaves from the street and add to the leaf duff under the trees. Note: haven't gathered up the oak leaves from the street yet, but made good progress on leaves, berries, and drupes. Several potential dye sources include goldenrod, fennel, and California poppy. Some of the leaves, berries, and drupes might be lovely in fall eco-dying projects, such as the maple leaves, juniper berries and red-flowering currants.

✘ Continue cleaning up the streetside easement around the property for weeds and trash. Inventory and document the beautiful native plants in this area. Add mulch or wood chips as needed. Note: I've barely made a dent, but I'm working my way around the perimeter. Job security.

🚫 Schedule aesthetic pruning for the big oak tree, and any shrubs that are getting too tall for us to tackle. Optionally schedule a professional fall landscape clean up, and arrange for new plants to be planted in time for winter rains. Note: we had the oak tree pruned last fall, and it will probably be good for another five years. The rest of the trees and shrubs look good for now.